Week 3 A Lighter Load

Many Teams Are Off, Use Week To Relax, Regroup

For 16 Broward County high school football teams, the past week has been all about taking it easy.

That's because with Rosh Hashana beginning Friday, an unusually large number of teams have open dates just three weeks into the season.

Some coaches see it as an opportunity to recover from minor injuries and correct the mistakes they've noticed in two weeks of play.

Others, such as McArthur's Mike Zarra, whose team is 2-0, would rather be on the field.

"You'd definitely rather have your bye toward the end of the year, especially if you make the playoffs," Zarra said. "We've only had two weeks and we're doing pretty well. I wanted to keep that momentum going."

That's where it can get tricky for coaches.

It's only been a few weeks since two-a-days ended and teams prepared for competition.

Zarra and his Mustangs have taken the extra time to work on special teams. Plantation coach Steve Davis is stressing fundamentals for his Colonels (2-0). At St. Thomas Aquinas, where the Raiders have had two bye weeks already, the past week has featured tough conditioning workouts designed to keep players in shape before the long stretch ahead.

It's a concern shared by all the coaches facing early byes.

"We all have to make sure we stay healthy because it's straight out the rest of the way," Davis said.

A benefit of a light schedule over the next two days means the teams that are playing should see an increase in attendance -particularly from their future opponents.

Zarra said he is encouraging his players to go watch the Mustangs' next opponent, Flanagan, which plays Hollywood Hills. Davis is encouraging his Colonels to do the same.

And there are still a few good options for high school football fans.

Deerfield Beach, which edged Dillard 15-14 last week, travels to Cypress Bay where it will face a Lightning team looking to rebound after a 14-0 loss to Plantation.

Coral Springs and Piper, a pair of 2-0 teams, face each other tonight; on Friday, American Heritage will host defending Class 2A state champion Jacksonville Bolles.

Christy Cabrera Chirinos can be reached at ccabrera@Sun Sentinel.com. Look for her blog at SunSentinel.com/cabrera and Twitter updates @BrowardHSsports.